Learn Japanese Pod
Alex Brooke
Learn Japanese Pod is a podcast to help you speak natural fluent Japanese
Learn Japanese Pod is a podcast to help you speak natural fluent Japanese
Fun Friday 31: Bear attacks in Japan
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Welcome to the Fun Friday edition of the Learn Japanese Pod podcast — the show where we sit down with cool people doing cool things in Japan. In this episode, I talk with Wes Lang about the recent rise in bear encounters and attacks across Japan: the latest stats, what’s causing them, and what Japan is doing to prevent future incidents. We also dive into Wes’s long experience as a master hiker. He was the first American to complete the Hyakumeizan, and he shares practical advice on how to prepare for the unlikely event of meeting a bear on the trail — including what to do, what not to do, and some useful bear-related vocabulary in Japanese. I learned a lot from this interview with Wes, and I now feel slightly more prepared to go hiking — and hopefully avoid any battles with bears! Wes is the creator of hikinginjapan.com, an authoritative resource with detailed information on hundreds of hikes and mountains across Japan. If you love hiking, Japanese nature, or just a good story, you won’t want to miss this one.
Welcome to another episode of Learn Japanese Pod!In this episode we talk about how to express positive emotions in Japanese. You’ll learn some vocabulary, grammar and also a little bit about Japanese culture and how people in Japan tend to display their emotions in public. Premium members can access detailed show notes as well as extra podcast dialogues and audio drills. To find out more, visit out Patreon page here: Learn Japanese Pod Premium Membership. For more information about the podcast, visit the main site here: Learn Japanese Pod
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 59 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.
Podcast Guest: Timothy Reid – From English Teacher to Award-Winning Musician and Game Industry Pro in Japan This week on the podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Timothy Reid, a multi-talented artist and creator whose journey to success in Japan is nothing short of inspiring. Originally from North Yorkshire in the UK, Timothy moved to Japan in 2011 after graduating from the University of Leeds. Like many foreigners, he started out teaching English just to get by — but everything changed in 2014 when he won a national guitar contest. That moment launched him straight into the Japanese music industry. Since then, he’s done it all: from touring and recording as a professional guitarist, to demoing gear in-store, teaching at music schools, and more recently, breaking into Japan’s video game industry, contributing to both big-name AAA titles and indie games. In this episode, we talk about learning Japanese, breaking into the music and gaming industries, and what it really takes to build a life and career in Japan. If you’re interested in living in Japan, pursuing a creative career here, or just want to hear an honest, fascinating story about surviving and thriving abroad, you won’t want to miss this conversation. If you’ve ever dreamed of building a successful creative career in Japan, this is an unmissable episode packed with insight, inspiration, and hard-won lessons. Click on the links below for Timothy’s home page and social media account: Timothy Reid Official Website Timothy Reid Instagram For more Japanese language learning podcasts and interviews with people doing cool stuff in Japan, visit: Learn Japanese Pod
Welcome to another episode of Learn Japanese Pod! This time, we’re diving into a topic that’s more than just daily vocabulary—it’s a cultural deep dive into cleanliness, chores, and the Japanese mindset around keeping things tidy. In this episode, Alex and Ami Sensei explore how to talk about household chores in natural, conversational Japanese. You’ll pick up useful words and phrases for cleaning, washing, tidying up, and more—perfect for everyday situations in Japan. But that’s just the start. We also go beyond the grammar and vocab to look at why cleanliness is so important in Japanese culture. From kids cleaning their classrooms to monks scrubbing temple floors, you’ll learn how these everyday actions reflect deeper values like discipline, respect, and mindfulness—ideas that shape how people live, speak, and interact in Japan. We also compare the Japanese approach to cleanliness with Western attitudes and explore how understanding these cultural differences can help you become not just linguistically fluent, but culturally fluent too. So if you’ve ever wondered what chores can teach you about Japan—and want to sound more natural when talking about them—this is the episode for you! Enjoy!
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 59 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.
In this podcast, Alex and Andy talk about their experience setting up a company in Japan, why they did it and how! In this episode of Learn Japanese Pod, Andy and I dive into the world of starting a small business in Japan. We share our personal journeys of setting up our own company , the lessons we learned, and the surprises we encountered along the way. If you’re a foreigner living in Japan—or planning to move here—and you’ve ever thought about launching your own business, this episode is packed with useful insights and real talk. What We Talked About in This Episode Here are some of the main topics we covered: Why we decided to set up a company in Japan Our motivations, goals, and what pushed us to take the leap from freelance to incorporating. Types of companies you can register in Japan We break down common structures like the Godo Kaisha (GK) and Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), and why we chose what we did. Legal and financial help – Do you need a lawyer or tax accountant? How we found help with paperwork, taxes, and navigating the legal landscape. The process of registering a company in Japan From choosing a company name to getting all the documents stamped, we share what was smooth—and what wasn’t. Hanko culture and paperwork What it was like getting our hankos (personal/company seals) made and how they’re used for official documents. Registering your company name Tips and gotchas when reserving a name, and how we made sure ours passed. Our overall experience – Was it easy or hard? We compare notes on how bureaucratic (or not) the process was, and how long it took. Listen to the Episode Click here to listen now or find it on your favorite podcast platform. Key Takeaways Preparation is key – Research and planning go a long way in making the process smoother. Get help – Hiring a bilingual tax accountant or lawyer can save you time and stress. Japan’s system is unique – Cultural and legal differences (like using hankos) can be surprising, but manageable with guidance. It’s possible! – Setting up a company in Japan as a foreigner is very doable with the right support and mindset. For more podcasts on learning the Japanese language and discovering more about the culture of Japan, click here!
In this episode, you’ll learn how to understand Japanese vocabulary — using only Japanese. Specifically, we’ll focus on how to ask for the meaning of words in Japanese and try to understand the explanations you hear. Mastering this skill not only boosts your vocabulary but also deepens your understanding of how words are naturally used in context. And remember, this becomes an exponential process – the more words you learn, the more words you can learn. It’s an extremely effective way to improve fluency. Admittedly, this can be a challenging skill to develop, especially for beginners who may not yet have enough vocabulary to follow explanations in Japanese. However, it’s an incredibly valuable skill to work on at any level. Over time, it will greatly improve your ability to use and understand Japanese more like a native speaker.
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 59 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.
In this Fun Friday edition of the Learn Japanese Pod podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Katheryn Gronauer, a Tokyo-based entrepreneur with a fascinating background. She shared incredible insights and stories, including her unique experience growing up in a family that managed sento—traditional Japanese public baths. We talked about what it was […]
In this podcast, we’ll dive into the process of opening a bank account in Japan, providing you with essential vocabulary and practical phrases that will help you confidently handle your finances. Not only will you learn how to navigate the specific steps of opening an account, but we’ll also cover useful language for managing money […]
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 58 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.
In this podcast, we’re focusing on useful verbs and phrases related to using money, Japanese coins and banknotes. We also discuss the proper etiquette for handling money in Japan Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 57 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.
In recent years, Japan has experienced a surge in tourism, with millions flocking to its stunning temples, bustling cities, and serene landscapes. However, this boom has also brought about a significant issue: overtourism. As more travelers visit, overcrowding and a minority of obnoxious tourists has become increasingly problematic, causing frustration and discomfort among the locals […]
In this podcast, we focus on phrases related to dating in Japan. We’ll cover phrases to express your feelings about someone as well as describe your current and past relationship status. Finally, we talk about how dating culture in Japan differs from dating in the West. Check out our Patreon page to get access to […]
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 56 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page.
In this podcast, we’re focusing on a crucial skill for mastering Japanese fluency and expanding your vocabulary which is confirming information. When visiting Japan, it is likely you might mishear what is being said or you simply don’t understand the vocabulary being used. So, whether you’re confirming a restaurant reservation or seeking clarity in a […]
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 55 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 54 Audio dialogue drills
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
The topic for this lesson is the word 気 Ki. 気 has a lot of meanings depending on context. It up in has various meanings such as spirit, heart or mind. It can also mean mood or air. You probably already know the word 元気 Genki which means well. Another example would be 気分 Kibun […]
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 54 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 54 Audio dialogue drills
The show notes for this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
In today’s episode, we’re diving into a crucial topic that anyone living in or visiting Japan should know at least a little about, and that is to stay safe during a natural disaster. Japan is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is prone to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rain, […]
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 53 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page
The show notes to this episode have moved to our new Patreon page. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon
In this lesson we’ll discuss how to deal with a cold which is pretty common during the winter months in Japan. We’ll look at how to describe symptoms and remedies for recovery.
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 52 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page
The show notes of podcast 52 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page
In Japan, the tradition of “大掃除” (Ōsōji), meaning “big cleaning,” takes place at the end of the year. This cultural practice involves a thorough cleaning of homes, workplaces, and public spaces to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with a fresh start. Families engage in deep cleaning, decluttering, and organizing […]
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 51 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page
The show notes of podcast 51 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page
As the sun sets on 2023, I recently hung out with my good friend Andy on the Fun Friday edition of the podcast to review the highs and lows of the past year in Japan. Enjoy!
It’s been a while but in this Fun Friday edition of the podcast I met up with my good friend and Japan enthusiast, Peter of Beards Brewery. He’s just completed an epic two-month journey across Japan and in this episode I caught up with him to get a debriefing on his trip. We chatted about […]
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to refuse things in Japanese. This is an important skill to have, as you’ll often find yourself in situations where you need to say no to someone. You’ll also learn how to refuse offers in Japanese appropriately in different situations using different levels of politeness. A word of warning. […]
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 50 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 50 Japanese Audio Drill
The show notes of podcast 50 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 50 Show Notes
In this podcast I interview Matthew Dons, a dear friend and long term resident of Japan. We talk about his experiences of doing a home stay when he first came to Japan. Matthew also gives his advice on the dos and don’ts of Japanese etiquette and culture to make your stay in Japan go more […]
If you are interested in visiting Kyoto then this podcast is for you. In this Fun Friday edition of the podcast I interview my long suffering brother Ben about his work as a tourguide in Kyoto. We talk about what to visit, when to come, etiquette for tourists, food, history and more! For more Japan […]
In this lesson we will teach you useful phrases for disagreeing with people and how to use them in different situations. Different phrases and inflections in your voice can be interpreted in many ways, from being vague to being very direct or even rude. Compared to some cultures, Japanese people tend to be less confrontational […]
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 48 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 49 Japanese Audio Drill
The show notes to our podcasts can now be accessed with Patreon Membership. Podcast 49 notes
In this lesson Ami Sensei and I will teach you how to express different levels of certainty in Japanese. You’ll learn how to express the probability you think something will happen through various example sentences and dialogues. In English we do this all the time with words such as “definitely”, “probably” and “might”. And of […]
The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 48 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 48 Japanese Audio Drill